Without wasting a moment, John nodded in agreement. "That works out perfectly. I actually have something I'd like to go over with you, Mr. Ward. Let's step outside and talk in the garden. We should give Mr. Shaw and Eliana some privacy. The wedding's coming up soon, so it's only right they spend some time getting familiar with each other."
After that, the others filed out one by one, leaving the living room to Eliana, Evan, and the butler.
Rolling his wheelchair forward, Evan closed the distance between them. Even while seated, his height nearly matched hers, and the pressure he gave off filled the space. A chill ran through Eliana as old memories pushed to the surface. Scenes from her past life flashed through her mind, where Jeremy had kept her trapped and treated her harshly. The thought made her step back without thinking.
Catching that reaction, Evan stopped, though his voice carried a cold edge. "What's wrong, Miss Marshall? You had plenty to say earlier. Where did that confidence go? What did you want to talk about?"
Heat crept into Eliana's chest.
In her previous life, she would have already broken down under his gaze. This time, things weren't the same, and neither was she.
She steadied herself and pushed aside the emotions rising within her.
Taking a seat across from him, she made sure their eyes met at the same level.
A faint hint of interest passed through Evan's gaze as he watched the change in her.
Keeping her tone calm, she spoke. "Mr. Shaw, we both know this marriage isn't about feelings. It was arranged by our families. You have your reasons, and I have mine. I'll play my role well and won't hold you back. I'll do what I can to help you get what you want. This arrangement will last for one year. After that, we'll go our separate ways. When the time comes, we can tell everyone I wasn't suitable for the Shaw family. I'll sign a prenuptial agreement, and I won't take anything from your side when we divorce. That's my way of showing sincerity."
Without holding anything back, Eliana revealed her entire arrangement in a single breath. Love was never part of this marriage, and she knew that from the start. If she could rely on Evan's backing, everything she planned would fall into place with far less resistance. That was why she chose to be direct. There was no point in hiding anything.
Trying to keep her composure steady, she watched him closely, searching his face for any hint of his thoughts.
Silence stretched on. Just when she began to think he might leave without a word, his voice finally cut through the stillness, low and cold.
"Miss Marshall, I can let your little tricks slide. But you'd better understand your position. If you ever try to turn those schemes on me, I won't be so patient."
The meaning came through clearly.
For a brief moment, Eliana sat still before realization settled in. He had accepted her proposal. The tension in her gaze faded at once, replaced by a spark of surprise. "You mean that?"
She had already been considering what to do if he rejected her, but things had shifted in her favor without warning.
Her reaction made him pause for a second.
"You look rather satisfied, Miss Marshall," he remarked.
Pulling herself together, Eliana lifted her head and met his eyes with a faint smile. "I'm not pleased. Just caught off guard. Someone like you holds all the cards, yet you're willing to deal with me on equal ground."
For the first time, a trace of surprise surfaced in Evan's otherwise unreadable gaze, though it disappeared just as quickly.
She didn't hesitate to continue. "Since we're working together now, Mr. Shaw, have your people draw up the prenuptial agreement."
Her decisiveness clearly went beyond what he expected, and the look in his eyes sharpened. With a slight motion of his hand, the butler stepped forward at once, carrying a prepared document.
Without stopping to review it, Eliana picked up the pen and began signing. Midway through, she paused and looked up. "Mr. Shaw, I need to confirm something. The gifts from both your family and mine will belong to me personally under this agreement, correct?"
There was nothing casual about her question. If she failed to change his fate, he would be gone within half a year. When that happened, this document would be the only thing protecting what she owned and the plan she had set aside for herself. She had to be certain.
